words by Laura Reading
photos by Dakota
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Although I haven’t seen them play in a while, when I heard that The Dance Party was opening for Hercules & Love Affair I was sold on going to this show, because as usual, they were pop gold. Dance Party did a great job hyping the crowd. With lead vocalist Mick Coogan playfully tapping his Converse to every beat, I could only have wished that there had been a bigger turnout for this band, who are as personable as they are musical.
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I’ve heard quite a few people refer to Hercules and Love Affair as “that amazing 8-piece ‘tranny’ band,” the brainchild of Andy Butler, and I wasn’t really sure what to expect. There was a buzz through the audience as everyone anticipated an energetic and exceptional performance. While androgyny and the blurring of gender lines are immediately apparent when listening to or looking at Hercules and Love Affair, the performance trumps all in being danceable, interesting, and even “funky”.
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While the fabulous Nomi was playing it up to the crowd, Kim Ann was beside her rocking her Banjee gear and sporadic percussion. Even the most stoic heads in the crowd were bobbing to the infectious horns, guitars, and beats. Despite it not being my favorite kind of music, I had an amazing time, and there was positive energy to spare. The closer, a rousing cover of “Don’t Fear the Reaper,” energized the crowd, and Hercules and Love Affair delivered.
wow, looks like i missed a fun show!
November 6, 2008 at 5:23 pmthanks chris/dakota for letting me write this up!
i am at your service!
So the lead singer for Hercules and Love Affair is a tranny? Shit. I just lost a bet with someone that I work with.
Great review, Laura :)
November 7, 2008 at 1:31 amThis show would have been absolutely apeshit if it wasn’t for the timing - late Sunday after most people had been Halloween-partying since Thursday. Butler even said something to that effect, thanking the crowd for “trying hard” when he knew we were partied out.
The music was top-notch, really quality stuff. Can’t wait until they have more material and can do more than a 1 hr set.
November 7, 2008 at 10:19 amhercules are the so much fun. i don’t think i stopped dancing.what song did they cover towards the end. i was tooo wasted to remember.
love the those guys are trumbone and trumpet.
Fine words from the big cat.
November 6, 2008 at 5:15 pm